Fugitive roundup nets more than 7,000 arrests

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — US Marshals say they arrested more than 50 fugitives, gang members, sex offenders and violent criminals in eastern North Carolina and more than 7,000 nationwide as a result of Operation Violence Reduction7 (VR7).

The six-week Operation VR7 focused on fugitives wanted for murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, abduction/kidnapping, sexual assault and child molestation. VR7 investigators also focused on catching fugitives with three or more prior felony arrests for violent crimes and wanted for narcotics, weapons offenses, assault/battery and threats. Gang members and sex offenders received high-priority for apprehension.

During Operation VR7, the US Marshals strategically focused its approach through use of the agency’s multi-jurisdictional investigative authority and its fugitive task force networks. The local operation was concentrated throughout the local district using real time, ground level intelligence on criminal activity.

The regional round-up was conducted by the Eastern District of North Carolina Violent Fugitive Task Force, which includes the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Between March 2 and April 10, Operation VR7 resulted in 7,127 arrests nationwide, including 750 gang members, and the seizure of 383 firearms and more than 69 kilograms of illegal drugs. Individual charges included 519 for homicide; 922 for weapons; 1,888 for assault; 583 for sexual assault; 1,093 for robbery; and 2,654 for narcotics. Investigators also found 10 missing children.